Pensions in Romania will increase by almost 20% starting November 1, just a month before parliamentary elections, as the Government decided to increase the pension point earlier than scheduled (in January 2009).

The value of the pension point will increase from 581.3 Romanian Ron up to 697.5 Romanian Ron. Also on Wednesday, the government decided to increase the pension point for those in labor groups I and II.

Also today, a date was set for this year's fall parliamentary elections: November 1, 2008. Elections will be held on time and the government has no intention to delay them, PM Calin Popescu Tariceanu declared.